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Dodge Grand Caravan jerking problems

146 of the 13,443 owner complaints about the Dodge Grand Caravan describe jerking or lurching, most of them for the 2016 model year.

owner complaints
146
worst model year
2016
typical repair cost reported
$3,500
typical mileage
77,000
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below

By model year

Often reported together

Stalling 26Check engine light 26Transmission failure 19Harsh shifting 12Whining noise 8Hesitation 8Won't shift 7Slipping 6

Trouble codes mentioned

P219B 1P0520 1P0441 1P0420 1P0404 1P0403 1P0302 1P0128 1

What owners say

Filed Sep 30, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · 138,000 miles · CT

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle hesitated and jerked slightly before accelerating. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, and the vehicle was diagnosed with transmission pump failure. The contact was informed that transmission pump needed to be replaced. The mechanic declined to repair the vehicle after discovering the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 16V461000 (Power Train) for the issue. The mechanic referred the contact to the manufacturer, who was informed of the issue and confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.

Filed Jul 1, 2026 · Transmission · 100,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle started jerking, lost motive power, and the RPMs elevated to the red line. The contact pulled over to the side of the road with the engine running, but the vehicle was unable to drive forward. The vehicle had experienced transmission failure. The vehicle was towed to a local transmission shop where it was diagnosed and determined that an internal transmission pump failure was preventing transmission fluid from pumping to the clutch. The vehicle was repaired out of pocket. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.

Filed Mar 25, 2026 · Engine, Seats · WA

1) At D/S Stow and Go seat malfunctioned and was repaired by CarMax Service Center Jan 2023 - 2) Around 97,000 so - Engine started ticking on or about JUL/SEP 2023, enstate Lloyds Automotive in Spokane Valley replaced out engine due to manufacture defect in Oct 2023. 3) At 103,672mi - P/S stow and Go seat was repaired for same issues as D/S stow & Go Seat by Lloyds Automotive Oct 2023 when engine was replaced out. 4) Around 116,000mi the Transmission was flushed when I got the oil changed because I noticed jerking shifting at times, this was Aug 2024 there was no check engine or diag faults. 5) Around 132,720 Fell under CXLHX982 / CXLHX981 Actuator Sliding Door D/S & P both repaired and Transmissioned serviced again because my van started stalling out at stops and the jerking happened again no check engine or diag faults 6) Around 138,000 - D/S Sliding door hatch pin repair by Coos Bay Area Dodge. On 24Mar2026 - Around 142,000mi my transmission overheat warning came on and my van would not go any faster than 45 to 50mi, the RPMs went from 1.5 to 4 to 5 then 7 and back down, I immediately pulled over and sat for about 40min turned my van back on there was no overheat warning so I drove around 50mi per hour in the emergency lane to the next exit which was Hood River, Or and trailer towed my van from Hood River, Or to AAMCO, North Spokane Wa for transmission service. - I believe my vehicle 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T model - transmission was built with some underlying transmission serious safety defects and should have been recalled and a part of Part 573 Safety Recall Report 16V‑461. My vehicle malfunctioning could have caused an accident if not for my quick thinking that day and keeping my vehicle maintained at a high standard. I do keep all my service records.

Filed Mar 19, 2026 · Transmission · 59,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was coasted to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was then coasted into a nearby parking lot. While coasting into the parking lot, the vehicle jerked and bucked abnormally. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. In addition, the contact stated that the transmission was replaced by the dealer three times within 107,000 miles. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.

Filed Mar 16, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · GA

I am filing this complaint regarding the service department at Vaden Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram. My complaint concerns a failure to properly diagnose a mechanical issue with my vehicle, misleading statements about the condition of the vehicle after repairs, and poor communication during the repair process. The vehicle is a 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan. Before bringing it to the dealership, the vehicle was jerking when slowing or coming to a stop. On February 19, 2026, a diagnostic scan showed code P0420 – Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1). At that time the vehicle was still drivable. On March 2, 2026, I brought the vehicle to the dealership and reported the jerking issue. I also asked that the throttle body and transmission be inspected. The dealership stated that the technician could not determine the cause of the problem but recommended maintenance repairs including tires, brakes, and rotor service. Based on their professional recommendation, I approved the repairs. On March 6, 2026, I picked up the vehicle and paid $1,416.21. I was told the vehicle passed inspection and a safety test drive. However, within approximately thirty minutes of leaving the dealership, the vehicle began jerking violently and shut off while I was driving. The vehicle had to be returned to the dealership. After the vehicle was returned, I was informed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. This was concerning because I had asked the dealership to check that component during the initial inspection. I was originally quoted about $2,800, and after discussions with management including Jim Fife, I paid $2,165 on March 14, 2026 for the catalytic converter repair. Despite paying a total of $3,581.21, the vehicle continued to show drivability problems. A new diagnostic scan showed codes P0420 and P219B (air-fuel ratio imbalance), suggesting the underlying issue may not have been properly diagnosed before replacing the catalytic converter. I attempted to resolve the issue.

Filed Feb 15, 2026 · Engine · NC

Engine loss of power, failure to accelerate, sudden forward lurch when stopped, Check engine light diagnosed by dealership and independent shop as Cylinder 2 failure. Purchased from Carvana 11/2024 with just over 70,000 miles on it. Currently has about 77,000. Cylinder head is currently being replaced at a cost of $6,500.00

Filed Feb 12, 2026 · Electrical · CA

The slider doors and back/trunk hatch have many electrical malfunctions. -Driver-side sliding door: After we press the button to open the door, the door often begins closing on our kids as soon as it has fully opened. When I press the button to open it again, it will start closing again immediately. Sometimes this process repeats 2-3 times before it stays open and our children can exit the car. -The door emits a horrible, loud BUZZ when the car is locked, the car is unlocked, the car doors are all locked but a door opens (triggering the doors to unlock), AND when the car is in drive and begins to approach or exceed 10-15 MPH. -The back hatch occasionally fully opens and then closes immediately. Or it opens and lurches downward so it's only ~2/3 open. At times it has almost closed on/hit one of our kids. This has been going on for years and I just learned that we could file a report. Please, please investigate and start process for a recall. These issues are more than just annoying; they could seriously injure or harm a child or an adult. Note: These issues started when the car was ~6 years old, around 2022, but it is ongoing and not resolved. Thank you kindly.

Filed Nov 28, 2025 · Engine · 122,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that when the vehicle was purchased in 2010, the vehicle was missing the EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) valve. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. In addition, the vehicle idled roughly, jerked and stalled while driving. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone, where it was diagnosed with power train failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the vehicle was missing the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve. The contact was provided DTCs: P0403 and P0404. The vehicle was not repaired. In 2019, the vehicle was taken to a tire business and the EGR valve was installed on the vehicle. The failure was progressively worsened, and the vehicle was no longer being driven. Upon further investigation, the contact found information on various auto websites indicating that the vehicle was manufactured in Canada and imported to the United States. The contact was the second owner. The contact found information on other auto websites that stated that the EGR valve was removed from the vehicle, and it was removed in stages. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.

Filed Oct 28, 2025 · Body, Seats · IN

09/26/2024 Transmission had to be replaced at 47,000 miles. Without warning, the van began lurching forward at a stop light almost causing a collision and then completely stalled having to be towed to the shop. Luckily, I bought a service plan and only had to pay $100, but the parts list was $6,000+. Sliding rear doors have the electric assist option. On several occasions myself and my children have nearly been closed in the door as it malfunctions and randomly starts closing. Once I was getting my child out of the car seat when the door began closing on me, it did not stop closing as it met the resistance of my body. I have not had this issue serviced, as it is very intermittent. 10/28/2025 My driver's side headrest exploded. Thankfully no one was injured and I wasn't driving at the time. This could have caused a really dangerous situation had the vehicle been in motion. I was in the parking lot with nothing touching the headrest. Looking at the headrest there are jagged pieces of plastic that just crumbled to bits. Upon further investigation, this is a known issue with this type of vehicle, but it's not a recall. 70,000 miles. I'm waiting to see what the bill for this repair will be, but I'm concerned it is going to be replaced with the same malfunctioning equipment and I may not be so lucky next time this happens.

Filed Sep 19, 2025 · Transmission · 67,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and independently stopped. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with rear transmission seal failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be rebuilt. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that the transmission was replaced in 2022, 2023, and May of 2025. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact requested a buy-back; however, the request was denied. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmissionReported June 24, 2016 · 26,298 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles manufactured July 31, 2015, to April 18, 2016, 2016 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured August 17, 2015, to January 29, 2016, and 2016 RAM ProMaster vehicles manufactured August 15, 2016, to April 15, 2016. The transmission pump may seize causing a loss of hydraulic pressure.
Risk
If the transmission loses hydraulic pressure, the vehicle may lose motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission pump, free of charge. The recall began on August 18, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S44.

Recall number 16V461000 · Recall details

Questions about the Dodge Grand Caravan jerking

Which Dodge Grand Caravan years have jerking or lurching problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2016 (20 complaints), 1996 (13 complaints) and 2019 (10 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix jerking or lurching on the Dodge Grand Caravan?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $3,500 (median of 14 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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